Overview: The Minnesota State Fair has released a selection of new beverages for the 2026 season, featuring distinct flavor profiles and local brewing partnerships. Announced on July 21, 2026, the lineup includes specialty beers, seltzers, and sparkling wines available during the fair’s run from August 27 through September 7.
The Full Story
The fair announced its new beers, cocktails and other beverages for 2026 on Tuesday. Highlights include Old Ranch Hand, a cream ale brewed in Saint Paul, Minn., by Dual Citizen Brewing Company. This beverage blends smooth malt with hints of buttermilk, herbs and spices. It is served with a savory ranch-seasoned salt rim to add a tangy kick. Available at Rooted & Wild by Snack House and Sabino’s Pizza Pies.
Espressotini Frozen Seltzer is an espresso martini-inspired frozen seltzer made in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company. It features bold flavors of coffee and vanilla topped with creamy cold foam. Watermelon Sea Salt Lager is a crisp Japanese rice lager brewed in Two Harbors, Minn., by Castle Danger Brewing. Notes include watermelon flavor and subtle notes of tropical lychee and ripe mango. Pickle & Vine is sparkling wine made in Cannon Falls, Minn., by Cannon River Winery. It offers a balance of tang, savoriness and effervescence with the bright, briny charm of a pickle.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 to 64 and $18 for ages 5 to 12 and seniors 65 and over. Children 4 and under are free. The full list of new beverages, including some non-alcoholic options, is on the fair’s website.
Production & Profile
Old Ranch Hand stands at 5% ABV. Espressotini Frozen Seltzer and Watermelon Sea Salt Lager both sit at 5% and 4.5% ABV respectively. Pickle & Vine reaches 12% ABV. The production locations span Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Two Harbors, and Cannon Falls, Minn.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers seeking unique flavor experiences can access these beverages during the fair’s run. Options range from a ranch dressing-flavored cream ale to a pickle-infused sparkling wine. Each offering highlights specific regional brewing and winemaking locations within Minnesota.
Source: Read the original article
